Axl, Guns N’ Roses Reunite with Long-Dismissed Band Member – Prepare Monumental Welcome Show in Honor of the Reunion!

Axl, Guns N’ Roses Reunite with Long-Dismissed Band Member  – Prepare Monumental Welcome Show in Honor of the Reunion!

Axl, Guns N’ Roses Reunite with Long-Dismissed Band Member Steven Adler – Prepare Monumental Welcome Show in Honor of the Reunion

 

By Allan Jefferson, May 4, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA

 

After more than three decades of separation, drama, personal struggles, and near-misses, Guns N’ Roses have finally turned back the clock.

 

In a stunning announcement that shook the rock world this weekend, frontman Axl Rose confirmed the reunion of the band with Steven Adler, the group’s original drummer and long-dismissed member, for a historic concert to be held at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, later this month.

 

The show, already being dubbed “The Welcome Back Bash”, is shaping up to be one of the biggest rock events of the decade. Fans, industry insiders, and fellow musicians are buzzing about the long-overdue reconciliation between Axl and Adler — one of the most turbulent and emotional breaks in rock history — and the powerful symbolism of their reunion.

 

A History Etched in Rhythm and Ruin

Steven Adler was one of the founding members of Guns N’ Roses and played a crucial role in shaping the rhythmic foundation of their legendary 1987 debut album Appetite for Destruction. With songs like “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Rocket Queen,” Adler’s swing-heavy, groove-laden drumming became a defining element of the GNR sound.

 

But the story turned dark by the end of the 1980s. Struggles with substance abuse led to mounting tensions in the studio. By 1990, after repeated attempts at intervention and failed recording sessions for the Use Your Illusion albums, Adler was dismissed from the band.

 

What followed were years of bitterness, estrangement, and public feuds.

 

Adler battled addiction, underwent multiple stints in rehab, and even filed a lawsuit against the band in the mid-’90s, which was settled out of court. For decades, the idea of a full-scale reunion with Adler seemed impossible.

 

A Rumor, Then a Roar

Whispers of a reunion first surfaced in early April when Adler was spotted leaving rehearsals at SIR Studios in Los Angeles — the same location where Guns N’ Roses were reportedly preparing for their summer festival appearances. Photos quickly circulated on social media, fueling speculation.

 

But it wasn’t until last night, during a surprise live stream on the band’s official YouTube channel, that Axl Rose made the moment official.

 

Standing in front of a vintage backdrop of the original Appetite for Destruction cover, Axl addressed fans directly.

 

“Some chapters take longer to close than others,” he said, nodding solemnly. “But I’m happy to say Steven’s back — and this time, it’s not just for one song. It’s a real reunion.”

 

Within moments, Adler stepped into frame, grinning ear to ear. The two embraced — a sight fans thought they might never see.

 

A Show for the Ages

Scheduled for May 25, 2025, the “Welcome Back Bash” is expected to be more than just a concert. The band has reportedly partnered with several Los Angeles institutions, including the GRAMMY Museum and the Sunset Strip Historical Society, to turn the event into a full weekend celebration of Guns N’ Roses’ history and legacy.

 

Dodger Stadium, which previously hosted the band during the “Not In This Lifetime” tour in 2016, will serve as the venue. This time, however, a special stage design is being developed to mirror the gritty chaos of the band’s early days — complete with vintage signage, Hollywood street backdrops, and even a replica of the iconic Rainbow Bar and Grill inside the VIP section.

 

Ticket demand has been overwhelming, with over 300,000 pre-sale requests submitted within 24 hours of the announcement. General admission opens May 6 and is expected to sell out within minutes.

 

Slash: “This Is What the Fans Deserve”

Lead guitarist Slash, who has remained a steady presence alongside Axl since their 2016 reunion, expressed heartfelt enthusiasm for Adler’s return.

 

“It’s been a long time coming,” Slash said during an interview with Kerrang! magazine. “Steven was part of the foundation. We went through hell together, and the fact that he’s healthy, playing great, and coming back full-time — it feels right.”

 

Slash went on to describe recent rehearsals as “emotional, raw, and magical,” adding that Adler was playing “better than ever.”

 

The Personal Journey of Steven Adler

Perhaps no one has fought harder to return than Steven Adler himself.

 

Over the years, Adler has been open about his addictions, multiple overdoses, and battles with depression. His 2010 autobiography “My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N’ Roses” painted a brutally honest picture of his fall and ongoing recovery.

 

He has also made public appearances on reality television shows like Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House, gaining fans for his transparency and willingness to face his demons.

 

“I never stopped dreaming of this,” Adler told Rolling Stone in a new exclusive. “Even in my worst moments, I always believed I’d get another chance — not just to play with the guys again, but to do it right.”

 

An Emotional Rehearsal

Sources inside the band’s rehearsal sessions describe the first jam session between Adler and Axl as emotional, with the two sharing a private conversation after running through “My Michelle” and “Mr. Brownstone.”

 

Adler reportedly teared up behind the kit after the final note of “Out Ta Get Me,” prompting Duff McKagan to step forward and give him a hug. Axl followed.

 

“He nailed every track,” said production assistant Leah Torres. “There was this electricity in the room — like they’d just traveled back in time.”

 

Setlist Rumors and Special Guests

While the band has not released an official setlist, fans can expect a heavy emphasis on material from Appetite for Destruction and the Lies EP, which featured Adler’s drumming. Longtime fans are also hoping for rarely performed tracks like:

 

“Anything Goes”

 

“Think About You”

 

“Reckless Life”

 

“Shadow of Your Love”

 

Whispers also abound about surprise guest appearances, with names like Izzy Stradlin and Matt Sorum being floated as possible cameos.

 

Fan Community Reacts: “Tears in My Eyes”

Reaction across fan forums has been euphoric. On Reddit’s r/GunsNRoses, the top comment read:

 

“I never thought I’d live to see this. Steven deserved this moment. This band finally feels whole again.”

 

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags #StevenAdlerReturns, #GNRReunion, and #WelcomeBackSteven trended globally for hours after the livestream.

 

Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach chimed in with a post:

“So happy for my brother Steven Adler. We’ve waited decades for this. Guns N’ f’n Roses, baby!”

 

Beyond the Show: A Permanent Return?

The question on everyone’s mind: Is this a one-off performance or a full-time return?

 

According to a press release from the band’s management, Adler has committed to at least five shows, including Dodger Stadium, two European festival dates (Download UK and Hellfest France), and a pair of arena gigs in Brazil.

 

“We’re going to see how it feels,” Adler said. “So far, it feels amazing.”

 

If all goes well, insiders hint at the possibility of recording new music with the full original lineup — or as close to it as they can get.

 

Final Thoughts: Healing Old Wounds

This reunion is more than a concert or a headline. It’s a story of resilience, of reconciliation, of giving the past a second chance. For Steven Adler, it’s the culmination of years of growth, humility, and unwavering belief.

 

And for Axl Rose — long criticized for grudges and unpredictability — it’s a moment of grace, of reaching back and pulling someone forward.

 

“Sometimes,” Axl said, staring directly into the camera during the livestream, “you’ve got to look back to move forward. Welcome back, brother.”

 

Welcome Back Bash

Date: May 25, 2025

Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

Tickets on Sale: May 6, 2025 via Ticketmaster and GunsNRoses.com

Expected Capacity: 56,000

Special Guests: TBA

Live Broadcast: HBO Max & SiriusXM GNR Radio